LIGHTS blazing out all night from Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium have kept Jason Anderson awake so much he is considering putting up blackout curtains.
Mr Anderson, 34, chief technology officer for an internet development company, and his partner Normi, believe they are victims of light pollution even though they live half a mile from the stadium.
Now bosses at the 60,000-seater stadium are being asked to turn the lights off at night so neighbours can get a good sleep.
The campaign against the stadium lights is being led by Islington’s Green councillor Katie Dawson.
Cllr Dawson argues that, by wasting energy, the lights are contributing to global warming.
At his home in Leigh Road, Highbury, Mr Anderson’s bedroom faces the stadium. He said: “We’re going to have to install blackout curtains and hope that solves the problem. The light is so strong it is almost like a summer dawn. It is disturbing our sleep, which is not healthy. “Obviously, you need lights for matches and perhaps a few for security. But there is a blaze of lights which are kept on all night long every day of the week.”
Cllr Dawson added: “It’s hopeless talking to the council because they don’t want to upset Arsenal,” she said.
Cllr Dawson has asked residents who have a problem to email her at katie.dawson@islington.gov.uk
A spokeswoman for Arsenal said: “All the non-essential lighting is turned off when the stadium is not in use. However, in order to comply with the council’s regulations, the emergency escape and security lighting needs to remain on at all times.”